WASHINGTON -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- To hear Barack Obama tell it , he owes Stevie Wonder plenty .

President Obama says if it was n't for Stevie Wonder 's music , he and the first lady may not have dated .

`` I think it 's fair to say that had I not been a Stevie Wonder fan , Michelle might not have dated me . We might not have married , '' Obama said Wednesday as he and the first lady hosted a concert and award ceremony for Wonder . `` The fact that we agreed on Stevie was part of the essence of our courtship . ''

Wonder was presented with a Gershwin Award for lifetime achievement during the event , which is scheduled to air on PBS Thursday .

Wonder 's tune , `` Signed , Sealed , Delivered I 'm Yours , '' was often played at Obama 's campaign stops .

The president told guests at the White House that Wonder 's music was also the soundtrack to his youth and marriage . Michelle Obama told the crowd that Wonder 's love song , `` You and I , '' had been the couple 's wedding song . Watch Stevie Wonder and other greats jam at the White House ''

Wonder accepted the award from President Obama and gave him a big hug .

`` President and Mrs. Obama , I 'm so excited to know that I was a part of . ... I need n't say more , '' Wonder said , drawing laughter and applause . `` I want to first of all thank God for this moment , because only through him could all this happen . ''

Gospel duo Mary Mary , hip-hop musician will.i.am and jazz crooner Tony Bennett were among the other performers at the event . Obama staff members said the event was part of an effort to open the White House to a broader community .

@highlight

Stevie Wonder receives lifetime achievement award at White House

@highlight

President Obama credits Wonder for playing part in courtship with first lady

@highlight

Michelle Obama says Wonder 's `` You and I '' was couple 's wedding song